News & PR

Belfast International ‘ready for G8’ Summit

Belfast International airport has warmly welcomed the news that Northern Ireland is to host next year’s G8 Summit of World leaders.

John Doran, Managing Director, Belfast International Airport, said the Prime Minister’s confirmation that Fermanagh would be the venue was a ‘tremendous fillip’ to the local economy.

Mr Doran also said the fact that World leaders such as President Obama, Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel would meet here was ‘an opportunity not to be missed’ by local firms and Government agencies.

Said Mr Doran: “Belfast International Airport will play its full role in making this summit a resounding success. We have the capacity to handle all of their aircraft requirements and, as they set foot on Northern Ireland soil, they will be guaranteed a very warm welcome.

“We have considerable experience in this respect having dealt with Presidents, Prime Ministers and other leaders in the recent past.

“This Summit is an opportunity to showcase what’s best about Northern Ireland. We’re ready for the G8 and, as a community, we must be ready to exploit the benefits from this potentially tremendous fillip for the local economy.

“Tourism, inward investment and political stability will all come under the microscope and we have to be ready to do all we can to exploit what’s offered.

“We have one chance to shine, one chance to make a massive impression globally, and we have to grasp it with both hands.

“We have never had an event of this magnitude, and Belfast International airport stands ready to play its full part in making it memorable and successful”.